July 8, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

‘Confession of a Buddhist Atheist’ Author Stephen Batchelor and Martine Batchelor in Santa Monica This Weekend:

Renowned Buddhist scholar and author Stephen Batchelor and his wife, Martine Batchelor, author, spiritual counselor and meditation teacher, will make a rare appearance this weekend, Nov. 11-13, at InsightLA, a Santa Monica-based mindfulness meditation center.

The three-day event will include a public talk, Friday evening Nov. 11, and a two-day retreat, Nov. 12-13.

The weekend will explore where Buddhism is headed in the 21st Century as many of its techniques – such as mindfulness meditation – are adopted in modern thought and psychotherapy by people who do not consider themselves “Buddhists.”

Throughout the weekend, the Batchelors will lead a discussion on the implications of this secularization of the Dharma and explore what might be gained and lost as Buddhism’s traditional identity as a belief-based religion is thrown into question.

Stephen Batchelor, who has been both praised as a reformer and condemned as a heretic in the Buddhist community, views Buddhism as an evolving culture of awakening, not a religion based on immutable dogmas and beliefs.

He regards the doctrines of karma and rebirth to be features of ancient Indian civilization and not intrinsic to what the Buddha taught. He believes Buddhism is now entering a vital new phase of its development.

The Batchelors, who live in France, were devoted monastics before they disrobed to marry in 1986. They combine vast scholarly knowledge and deep practice with humor and sophistication.

Martine’s books include The Spirit of the Buddha and Women on the Buddhist Path. Stephen is the author of the bestselling Buddhism without Beliefs, among other publications.

InsightLA is a non-profit organization founded by psychologist and meditation teacher Trudy Goodman, PH.D. and is dedicated to mindfulness training.

Additionally, InsightLA offers Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), an eight-week program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and taught in medical centers around the world.

InsightLA has hosted events featuring spiritual teachers such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Sharon Salzberg, Jack Kornfield, Robert Thurman and Joseph Goldstein.

For more information, and to register, visit www.insightla.org.

InsightLA is located at 1430 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica.

in News
<>Related Posts

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...

New SaMo Bridge Program Refers 56 People in First Month; 37 Connected to Services

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

According to city officials, the program is on pace to meet its goal of serving 260 individuals annually Santa Monica’s...

Multi-Family Venice Property on Rare Double Lot Lists at Over $5M

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

In total, the four units provide 5,398 square feet of living space A multi-family property located one block from Venice...

Hama Sushi Hosts Weekly Music and Comedy Open Mics

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The venue, a Venice Beach staple since 1979, has recently expanded its legendary happy hour to the entire patio Hama...

Connections Breakfast to Network Local Business Professionals in Malibu

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The event, sponsored by Malibu Country Mart, will feature a breakfast mixer where attendees can meet new contacts  A Connections...

12th Annual Gopher Scramble Golf Tournament to Benefit Venice Heritage Museum

July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

The museum opened to the public in March 2024 at the Main Street Design Center with its inaugural exhibition, “This...